Hartismere schoolteacher couple retire after 50 years of service

Chril and Polli Aldous, of Hartismere School, are retiring after teaching for more than 50 years combined at the school. ANL-140722-120258001

A married couple who have taught at a north Suffolk school for more than 50 years between them are set to retire.

Chris Aldous, 63, who studied at Loughborough University and was born in East Anglia joined Hartismere School, Eye, in January 1986, while wife Polli, 57, born in Neath, South Wales, was appointed in January 1991, having gone to Leicester and Reading universities.

Mrs Aldous said the couple always wanted to retire at the same time, and have no immediate plans for life after work.

“I think we hoped when we started there (at Hartismere), we wanted what every parent wants. We wanted to have a good school on our doorstep,” said Mrs Aldous.

“To live in the catchment area and see children leave every year that go through the system - that has been a joy for both of us.”

The pair, who live in Yaxley, met at Stoneham Boys School, now known as Prospect College, Berkshire, in 1978.

Marrying in 1982, Mr Aldous, who had previously taught PE, moved to Long Stratton High School, while Mrs Aldous started a new job in Diss afterwards in 1982.

In 1997, Mr Aldous became assistant head, and also served as deputy, and Mrs Aldous was appointed as the head of biology.

Mrs Aldous added she will miss the classroom, children and colleagues , but conceded: “I know that I won’t miss the marking!

“That is one thing I am looking forward to not having to do, although it is so vital.”

Their children, daughter Anna, 28, and son David, 31, also studied at Hartismere School.